Mother and daughter team take on charity trek to continue good work

A mother and daughter team from Highridge, who have worked in healthcare their whole lives, are taking on a charity walk to help raise money for a local hospice.

 

Laura Darrie, 40 and her mum Judith Williams are getting ready to take part in the St Peter's Hospice Midnight Walk on the 7 July after deciding they wanted to continue making a difference to the lives of those affected by illness in Bristol.

 

The duo, along with Laura's friend Pauline Galvin, have opted for the new five-mile challenge, which organisers have introduced this year.

 

Laura said: "My mum worked in healthcare for 30 years but wanted to continue making a difference when she retired. She now volunteers at a St Peter's Hospice shop and absolutely loves it.

 

"I work at the BRI and my sister works in oncology so we definitely come from a healthcare family. When we heard about the Midnight Walk we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do our bit for a fantastic cause.

 

"The new five-mile route is perfect because it means that anyone can do it even if they're not super fit. It's for those who want to offer support but don't fancy the thought of a much longer challenge. It also looks like a really fun, girly night out!"

 

Beginning and ending at Bristol's Ashton Gate, the Midnight Walk raises money for the city's only adult hospice, caring for patients with life-limiting illnesses.

 

Starting at 10.30pm and walking through the midnight hour, both the five-mile course and the original 10-mile course take in Bristol's famous landmarks including the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the ss Great Britain.

 

It is a women-only event and organisers encourage participants to dress up, bring a group of friends and treat it as a fun night out, while raising vital funds for a local facility.

 

Laura continued: "My dad was diagnosed with cancer just before Christmas and thank goodness he hasn't needed to use a facility like the hospice, but it did bring it home that it might be something that we one day might need ourselves.

 

"As a family we've known a few people who have used the services at St Peter's Hospice and all we've heard is how fabulous the care and the staff are. They really make a horrible thing much more bearable for patients and families, so it's great we can help out."

 

St Peter's Hospice cared for 2,200 patients last year and supported more than 6,000 family members, including children.

 

With the hospice receiving less than a quarter of the £6.5 million it needs to run its services from the NHS, it is important to get as many people signed up as possible so that it can continue its work caring for people with incurable illnesses.

 

St Peter's Hospice head of fundraising Jo Gibbons said: "The Midnight Walk is one of our best events; the atmosphere is amazing, the views are great and now even more people will be able to join in with the introduction of the new five-mile route.

 

"We need people like Laura and Judith to sign up so we can continue the work we do in Bristol. We are currently slightly down on our numbers so please do think about taking part with us!"

 

There are still places available for the five-mile and 10-mile routes and the charity is also looking for men and women to sign up as marshals for the event.

 

Registration is £12 with walkers receiving an event pack, which includes a T-shirt.

 

To register please visit www.stpetershospice.org.uk or email louisa.james@stpetershospice.org